Device for examination of the motor system of the human or animal body

ABSTRACT

A device for examination of motor system of human or animal body, through examination and determination of the ability of muscular system to function and perform, include a unit to insert, rest and secure body parts to be examined, and to repeat examinations of the same body parts in a same fixed position, a power source to put weight on muscle and a unit to stimulate or contract the muscles or nerves, a rest and securing element with a splint rest or with an arm rest table, a thumb mould with thumb bridge and a thumb lever, in which the thumb lever is firmly connected to a vertically arranged main unit axle, which connects to the power source; means for determining the type of contraction, to automatically limit the power via stopping mechanism, as well as stimulants for stimulation of muscles, nerves or the central nervous system, mechanical and electrical/electronic measuring devices including dynamometers, acceleration meters, muscle-length meters, sensors for the recording of electrical potential fluctuations, the skin temperature and acoustic signals and vibrations.

This invention is a device for the examination of the motor system ofhuman and animal bodies, especially of the muscular system's ability tofunction and perform, according to the generic term of the Patent Claim1. The functioning of the muscles is for the individual, especiallyhumans, a necessary requirement, in order to be able to be in contactwith the outside world and to have an influence upon it. It is thereforeof great importance to be able to examine the motor system and to beable to carry out objective and reliable measurements and to achieveresults with the highest possible accuracy. This is, for example, of theutmost importance for the diagnosis and observation of the course of anillness to the body's ability to move and, furthermore, to name muscularillnesses, or illnesses which are secondarily connected to the influenceof the motor system's ability to function; it is of further importanceto the observation of the course of rehabilitation programmes, or ofexercise programmes, or of the dosage control of muscle-effectivemedication. For this, it is very important, that examinations on therespective individual and on the same area of the body, are made to berepeated under identical conditions, as only through these means canobjectivity, reliability and validity of the results be reached.

There are different devices and processes known for testing muscles andfor measuring or ascertaining results and values of motion processes andof physical strength or muscle strength. However they have, amongstothers, the considerable disadvantage, that an individual adjustment ofthe body areas to be examined, especially of the limbs, by the personexamining them, is not possible and also no fixed setting of these areastakes place, at least none, which are reliable enough. Furthermore,there are no means for adjusting muscle-length conditions and fewmethods for the restriction of muscle-length changes with the well-knowndevices.

From the EP 0232507 B1 of the Applicant, there is a device known, withwhich the body's ability to move is being influenced by artificialstimulations and different weights and thereby nerve and musclefunctions are being measured. This device has already avoided the majordisadvantages of the previous devices and has itself been proven in usewith the healthy and the ill. However, disadvantages have emerged. It isnot, for example, possible with this known device, to standardise andmake objective the examination conditions nor to pin down the objectunder examination and the examination results from the first examinationof that individual, whilst remaining free from potential sources oferror, to the point where the resulting measurements absolutelycharacterise the muscle mechanics of the patient being examined and totherefore make it possible to repeat similar examinations.

In particular it is not yet possible with this early invention to alwaysset the muscle length in the same position when repeating examinationsand measurements. The energy source, according to EP 0232507 B1, is alsonot consistent, not efficient enough and not maintenance-free enough torule out inaccuracies or disruptions during the course of the procedure.The purpose of the this invention is, therefore, to create a device forexamining the whole motor system of human and animal bodies, throughwhich repeatable, definable and constant procedures of intervention andrepeatable, absolute measurements of the motor system and especially themuscles are made possible, whilst achieving repeatable, adjustable, but,at the same time, variable muscle-length conditions through anindividually adaptable splint setting device, a stopping device andpower restraint mechanism, as well as through suitable measuringequipment and positioning requirement elements.

This task is in the main being solved through the characteristicfeatures of the Patent Claim 1. Further developments and improvements ofthis apparatus are the subject of the further patent claims.

Examples of the implementations of the invention are explained below,using drawings.

FIG. 1 shows: the invention's examination device in side view with thecasing panel removed and with the version of the rest- and securingelements set for the hand and upper wrist (see the upper area ofdrawing), the axle stopping device of the main unit axle with front andback rotation stopping device (middle area of drawing), as well as apower source in the form of rotating magnets with an adjustment device(lower part);

FIG. 2 shows: the examination device according to FIG. 1 as viewed fromthe front with the covering removed and lengthways, along the section inthe area of the main unit axle;

FIG. 3 shows: a detail of FIG. 1, that is, the area of the axle stoppingmechanism with the front rotation stopping mechanism and the adjustmentmotor, as viewed from above in section B/B;

FIG. 4 shows: a detail of FIG. 1: the area of the axle stoppingmechanism with back rotation stopping mechanism and adjustment motor, asviewed from above at section A/A;

FIG. 5 shows: the examination device with an altered rest- and securingelement for the arm and wrist, as well as the power source in the formof an electric motor, viewed from the side with the side panel removed;

FIG. 6 shows: the altered rest- and securing element as detailed in FIG.5, but from the right, viewed from above, with a hand and arm insertedand secured;

FIG. 7 shows: the altered rest- and securing element of the examinationdevice, as in FIG. 6, but with a right arm and hand inserted;

FIG. 8 shows: the rest- and securing element as in FIG. 5 from aboveafter the removal of the arm rest table, looking at it from the exterioron the right;

FIG. 9 shows: a modified part of the rest- and securing element/settingas in FIG. 5; a mould with spacing pins for the making of a cast, whichserves as a securing element for the hand, being the examination object;

FIG. 10 shows: the cast made with the mould as in FIG. 9, with cut-outarea for the thumb, mounted on the arm rest table as in FIG. 5, viewedfrom the top;

FIG. 11 shows: the cast serving as a securing element as in FIG. 10 withan inserted and secured hand;

FIG. 12 shows: the mould as in FIG. 9, viewed from above, showing a handplaced upon it;

FIG. 13 shows: a further modification of the rest- and securing element,according to FIGS. 1 and 5; a rest- and securing element for a humanankle joint with a foot fixed in it, viewed from above;

FIG. 14 shows: the rest plate of the rest- and securing elementaccording to FIG. 13, viewed from the side, for those body areas nearwhere the limbs meet the body;

FIG. 15 shows: a modification of the examination device, powered by alinear drive with a linear axle, as in the version shown in FIGS. 1 and5, with the front and rear linear stopping mechanism, viewed from thefront with the casing panel removed;

FIG. 16 shows: the alteration as in FIG. 15, viewed from the side, withthe linear motor, the linear axle, linear stopping mechanism and powerdiverter onto the main unit axle;

FIG. 17 shows: a pair of twin stimulation electrodes for stimulation ofthe examined nerve and muscle areas;

FIG. 18 shows: a mounting device for the stimulation electrodes on theexamination object, as a detailed drawing;

FIG. 19 shows: the mounting device as in FIG. 18 with an adjustablefastener and clasp, viewed from the side;

FIG. 20 shows: a detail from FIG. 19, a section of the adjustablefastener with the clasp;

FIG. 21 shows: a modified mounting device, viewed from the side:

FIG. 22 shows: a detail from FIG. 21, featuring the wider mounting lipwith the adjustable fastener threaded through it;

FIG. 23 shows: a detail of the mounting device as in FIG. 18 for thestimulation Electrodes; a small, mounting block for the stimulationelectrodes with the height altered and mounting lip, viewed from thetop;

FIG. 24 shows: the mounting device as in FIG. 23, viewed from the front;

FIG. 25 shows: the mounting device as in FIG. 23, viewed from the side;

FIG. 26 shows: the mounting device as in FIG. 23 with the small mountingblock, which has been altered in height;

FIG. 27 shows: the mounting device as in FIG. 26 viewed from the front;

FIG. 28 shows: the mounting device as in FIG. 26 view from the side;

FIG. 29 shows: a sensor casing with sensors for the recording ofelectric and acoustic signals or vibrations, viewed from below;

FIG. 30 shows: the sensor casing with sensors as in FIG. 29, viewed fromthe side;

FIG. 31 shows: as a detail of FIG. 30, the ball and socket mount for thesensor unit;

FIG. 32 shows: a modification of the sensor unit as in FIG. 29 withadhesive surfaces and vacuum connectors, viewed from below;

FIG. 33 shows: the sensor unit as in FIG. 32, a section in side view;

FIG. 34 shows: the sensor unit as in FIG. 32, viewed from above;

FIG. 35 shows: a multi sensor unit with a device for displaying, storageand processing of the measured results, viewed lengthways from one ofthe exterior sides;

FIG. 36 shows: the multi sensor unit as in FIG. 35, viewed from below;

FIG. 37 shows: the multi sensor unit as in FIG. 35, viewed from above,with the operating and display areas;

The version of the device as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 is mounted onits vertical exterior wall, labelled as “140” (which is only shown inparts). In its upper part, fitted to one of the diagonal casing panels(142), pictured here as a double panel, there is a rest- and securingelement (labelled as 3, 3′, 4, 6, 7, 9) for the hand, wrist and forearmto be examined. Fitted parallel to the exterior wall (140), runningvertically to the dividing wall (142), is a splint rest (12) with an armrest (3) attached to it, which continues at the same level into the handrest (3′). At a right angle to the arm rest (3) and the splint rest(12), is the support for the back of the hand (6) with a support cushionfor the back of the hand (7) and an adjustable bridge (8), which isvertically adjustable via the adjustable bridge (8) in an adapted slot(43′) of the splint rest (12).

The arm rest (4) is also connected at a right angle to the arm rest (3)and the splint rest (12). Furthermore, on the hand rest (3′), there isthe wrist support (10), which is horizontally adjustable by means of asupport and adjustment track (44), via a fastening screw (44′), whichcan be locked off, so that the wrist can be supported and secured fromunderneath. To examine the motor system of the hand, a patient placestheir hand and forearm into the device, in such a way that the forearmrests on its outer side on the arm rest (3) and the wrist and the narrowside of the hand, including the small finger, rest on the hand rest(3′). The back of the hand, therefore, rests on the back of the handsupport (6); the palm of the hand on the palm of the hand support (9)and the wrist rests with its underside on the wrist support (10). Thefingers II-V are additionally supported at the outer edge of the indexfinger through a finger support (11) with a small adjustment block (46).

After the hand and the wrist have been placed in the device, they willbe secured into the required position; the back of the hand support (6)and back of the hand cushion (7) will be adjusted vertically with anelectrical motor (41) and spindle (42), into which the adjustable bridgemeshes by means of the small adjustment block (43); also the wristsupport (10) will be horizontally adjusted on the adjustment track (44)and then the appropriate positioning, which has been matched to thewrist, will be secured with the adjusting screw (44′); the top of thewrist will also be supported. The motor (41) and the spindle (42) areplaced on the side facing away from the splint rest (12) and the armrest (3), positioned by means of the spindle track (42′). The motor (41)is connected to an ammeter (98), which switches the motor off as soon asthe back of the hand support (6) presses against the back of the handwith a pre-set pressure limit. Additionally, the back of the handsupport (6), together with the adjustable bridge (8), can be tilted overa vertical axle and rotated via a swivel coupling (8′), situated in thevicinity of the spindle. The finger support (11) will be moved towardsthe index finger through the adjustment block on the adjustment track(45) and then secured with the adjusting screws (46′).

The splint rest (12) itself, with the fore-mentioned parts, ishorizontally adjustable parallel to the dividing wall (142) on one ormore tracks (40), which are fixed to the dividing wall (142) withmountings (40′) and arranged as spindles, through an electrical motor(38). To examine how the muscular system of a body part or the nervesystem of a body part function and perform (in the version of the devicein FIGS. 1 and 2, preferably the muscles of the thumb abductor), thereis a thumb mould (13) with a bridge for the inserted hand, whichinterlocks with the horizontal thumb lever (15) and is horizontallyadjustable, through the adjustment device (47) and the locking mechanism(47′). The thumb will be placed into this thumb mould (13). The thumblever (15) is placed on the vertical main unit axle (1), which is guidedthrough the dividing wall (142) and an additional horizontal dividingwall (141) and connected to the rotation magnets (188) and (189) as anenergy source.

On the top end of the main unit axle (1), there is a laserdirection-finding beamer (37) with an aperture (37′), whosedirection-finding beam will be aligned with the axle of the examinedbody part, for example, the movement axle of the thumb adductor andthumb abductor. The hand, wrist and forearm are secured in this positionby the armrests (3) and (4), the back of the hand support (6), the palmof the hand support (9), the wrist support (10), the finger support(11), as well as the splint rest (12). The thumb is also firmlyconnected to the main unit axle (1) of the device through the thumbmould (13) and the thumb lever (15). As an energy source, the rotationmagnets (188) and (189) exert a defined load, through the main unit axle1 and the thumb lever (15) on the to be examined muscles of the patient,either before or after lifting. As is also visible in FIGS. 1 and 2, andshown in detail in FIGS. 3 and 4, the main unit axle (1) has a firmlyconnected axle stopping mechanism (125) below the dividing wall (142),which works together with a rotation stopping mechanism (126) (see FIGS.1 to 3). The rotation stopping mechanism (126) is fixed to an adjustablewheel (143), through which the angle can be altered. The adjustablewheel (143) rests on a guide rod through a bearing (144), which gripsthe main unit axle (1) without pressure. The adjustable wheel (143) is,on the far side of the stopping mechanism, further equipped with asprocket (146), slotting into a cog wheel (163), that is driven by anaxle (164) of an adjustable motor (149), which is fixed onto the casing(140) by means of mountings (150). A potentiometer (175) is fixed to themotor axle (164) via the potentiometer axle (174), which measures theposition of the front stopping mechanism. The front rotation stoppingmechanism (126) cuts down rotation movements of the thumb lever (15)beyond this point and thereby contractions of the thumb adductor, sothat isometric spasms or touch spasms can be inflicted at a definedmuscle length.

The axle stopping mechanism (125) works together with a back rotationstopping mechanism (129). It is fitted onto an adjustable wheel (159)and can through this also be adjusted in its angle. The adjustment wheel(159) rests analogous to the fine-tuning of the front rotation stoppingmechanism via a bearing (160) on the guiding rod (161), which grips themain unit axle (1) without pressure. The adjustment wheel (159), on thefar side of the stopping mechanism, is further equipped with a sprocket(162), into which a cog wheel (163′) meshes, that is driven by an axle(164′) of an adjustable motor (165), which is fixed to the casing (140)by means of mountings (150). A potentiometer (182) is also fixed to themotor axle (164′) by the potentiometer axle (181), which measures theposition of the rear stopping mechanism. Rotation movements of the thumblever (15) towards the back will be prevented through the rear rotationstopping mechanism (129), thereby stretching the thumb adductor, so thatsupport spasms can be triggered on a defined muscle length.

For putting weight on the muscles, the rotation magnets (188) and (189)are used as power sources and are switched, one after the other, andfirmly placed at the top or bottom of the dividing wall (141) with thebearings (193). Their inner parts are connected to the main unit axle(1) and can rotate around these inner parts. There is a sprocket (194)between the two rotation magnets, slotting into a rack track (195), thatis guided by appropriate track bearings (196) and is linear andhorizontally movable. The rack track is connected to a motor (199)through a cog wheel (197) and a transmission belt (198) and is fixed toa mounting plate (200) on the top dividing wall (141). Through the cogwheel or rack track connectors (194, 195 and 197), the motor (199)regulates the rotation magnets (188) and (189) in such a way, that thearea of movement of the patient being examined falls into a favourableworking zone or known indicator zone of the rotation magnets. There is apotentiometer (201) on the axle of the motor (199), measuring therespective positions of the rotation magnets (188) and (189).

In order to avoid too high and therefore damaging pressure on theexamined limbs, a slip clutch mechanism (202) that can be electronicallysteered and adjusted within its working area, which is placed on themain unit axle (1), connecting with the rotation magnets (188) and(189). Instead of the slip clutch mechanism, or in addition to it, theconnection between the thumb lever (15) with the main unit axle (1), ascan be seen in FIG. 1, can be made in a simpler way by using a pin (203)with a predefined breaking point, which will break when a defined limitof the power source (188 and 189) is exceeded; therefore no furtherpressure can be exerted on the secured thumb of the person being tested.

Another version of the invention device is shown in FIG. 5 to 8. Thisversion is also mounted on its vertical exterior walls (140) - this isonly partially visible on the drawing. A horizontally movable arm resttable (16) is fixed to the diagonal casing panel (142), set verticallyabove it, in guiding tracks or supports (58) on at least two of theouter sides of the diagonal casing panel (142), lying opposite eachother, upon which the arm and hand can be rested and secured forexamination. The arm rest table (16) has a cut out section (16′), inwhich a thumb mould (23) with bridge (24) protrudes from the thumb lever(25), situated below the arm rest table (16) (according to the thumbmould (13) with bridge (14) and thumb lever (15)) running vertically tothe top, for the thumb of the inserted hand to fit in it. The thumblever (25) is fitted to the vertical main unit axle (1), as in theversion in Fig 1 and 2, which on her part is guided by the doublediagonal casing panel (142) and the additional dividing wall (141) andthen connecting into an electrical motor, preferably a Hall motor (190),as an alternative power source to the rotation magnets (188 and 189).

Fitted in the middle of the arm rest table (16), is the arm cradlingunit (17), which runs lengthways to the resting arm and hand, upon whichthe inside of the arm and the edge of the hand are placed; depending onthe examined right or left limb and, if the palm of the hand is facingup or down, either to the right or the left of the position of the arm.

The arm rest table (16) can be moved in the guide tracks (58) via amotor (56), which is installed below the arm rest table, attached to thediagonal casing panel (142), and a small adjustment block (52), fittedto the arm rest table (16) and guided in a spindle (53), by means of atransmission belt (55), so that the resting arm can be moved sidewaysinto the correct position. The spindle (53) itself rests in the guidetracks (54) on the underside of the arm rest table (16). The position ofthe arm rest table (16) can be measured via a linear meter (100), whichis connected to the small adjustment block (52) through the connector(101), so that later examinations can be repeatedly determined.

Here too, the motion axle of the examined body part is being brought inalignment with the direction-finding beam of the laser direction-findingbeamer (37), in order to bring the body part being examined into thecorrect position. Alternatively, or in addition to the laserdirection-finding beamer (37), as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the laserdirection-finding beamer can be on a swivel arm (49), which is fixed onthe exterior dividing wall (142) on a guide track (58) and rotates,which will be swivelled over the arm rest table and the resting limb.The movement axle of the examined body part will then be aligned withthe beam of the direction-finding beamer (48), which points downvertically and in which the directional beam exactly corresponds withthe main unit axle (1). The arm will be secured in this position withthe arm clamp cushion (21) and the palm of the hand cushion (22), inwhich the arm clamp cushion (21) is attached with a clamp (85) and thepalm of the hand cushion (22) and is attached with a clamp (90) at theupper side of the arm rest through clamp fastenings (82) and (88). Thefastening takes place in the known manner through screws or bolts (84)and (89′) in drill holes (83) and (89). The clamps (85) and (90) areeach adjustable lengthways towards the arm rest, so that it can beadjusted to any anatomical condition of the person being tested, byproviding a row of holes (83) and (89) in the arm rest (17). The armclamp cushion (21) and the palm of the hand cushion (22) can each berotated by 180° and placed and secured in the arm rest (17), dependingon which limb is being examined. To enable an adjustment of the armclamp cushion and the palm of the hand cushion to the individual heightof the palm of the hand and the forearm, when placed in it, the armclamp cushion has an adjustment bar (86) with stopping mechanism (87)and the palm of the hand cushion (22) has an adjustment bar (91) withstopping mechanism (92), each attached vertically to the arm rest table(16) and vertically protruding, as well as vertically protruding the armrest (17).

The outside of the fingers II to V, which is opposite the edge of thehand, is supported by a preferably padded finger support (19), which isalso adjustable and attached to the arm rest table (16) and which has aswivel coupling (68) with swivel coupling pin (68′) for adjustment tothe individual finger shape. Appropriate finger supports are placed bothsides of the arm rest (17), for support of the fingers of the right andleft hand.

Through an elongated hole (69) on the underside of the arm rest table(16), the swivel coupling pin (68′) is connected to a small adjustmentblock (70), which, through a spindle (71) with counter-rotating threadsand a motor (74), leads the finger support (19) for setting the splinttowards the inserted; at the same time the second finger support ismoving in the opposite direction to the arm rest (17). The spindle (71)with spindle guide tracks (72) is attached to the underside of the armrest table (16), the same as the motor (74), which drives the spindlevia a transmission belt (73).

As with the finger supports (19), there are arm supports (18) in thearea of the arm clamp cushions (21) at both sides of the arm rest (17),provided for each of the outer sides of the arms, which, in theirtechnical composition, mainly correspond to the swivel coupling (61),the swivel coupling pin (61′), the small adjustment block (63) and thespindle (64); the arm support again leads towards the inserted arm via amotor (67) with transmission belt (66) and the spindle.

The position of the finger support (19) can be measured through a linearmeter (104), which is connected through a connector (105) with the smalladjustment block (70), and can thus be determined for laterexaminations. The position of the arm support (18) can also be measuredthrough a linear meter (102), which is connected to the small adjustmentblock (63) by the connector (103), and can thus be determined for laterexaminations. For the support of the finger tips, there is an adjustablesupport (20) on the arm rest table (16), as in the example in FIGS. 5 to8, which—as with the finger support (19)—is firmly connected to thesmall adjustment block (75), guided in a spindle (76) beneath the armrest table. The spindle rests and is pivoted in the guide tracks (77) atthe arm rest table and is driven by a motor (80) and a transmission belt(78); the support (20) with its telescopic guide tracks (81), is lead tothe finger tips and positioned through the small adjustment block (75).The position of these finger supports (20) can also be measured througha linear meter (106), which is connected with the small adjustment block(75) via a connector (107) and can thus be determined for laterexaminations.

The thumb of the inserted and secured limb, will be supported frombehind by the thumb mould (23), contrary to the thumb mould (13) in theexample in FIGS. 1 and 2, and set with a fastener (26). In this version,the thumb bridge (24) is also horizontally adjusted on the thumb lever(25), in order to fit the size of the hand and thumb of the examinedlimb, and secured with the stopping mechanism (94).

In this version too, the main unit axle (1) has, below the dividing wall(142), the firmly connected axle stopping mechanism (125), the frontrotation stopping mechanism (126) and the back rotation stoppingmechanism (129) and their additional components, as in the versionaccording to FIGS. 1 to 4. This version can also have the rotationmagnets (188) and (189) as its power source, instead of the abovementioned Hall motor.

FIGS. 9 to 12 shows a further beneficial version of the invented devicewith a different rest- and securing element for the hand to be examined,which, in the version according to FIGS. 5 to 8, replaces the rest- andsecuring element for the hand and the arm, the arm rest (17) with armsupport (18), finger support (19) and fingertip support (20), as well asthe devices and versions described. The part of the limb of the personbeing tested, serving as the object of the examination—in the exampleshown, the hand—is being placed in a mould (27) with spacing pins (28),which are loosely stuck at the bottom of the mould (27). The drill holesat the bottom of the mould (27) correspond to the drill holes (28′) inthe arm rest table (16). On one of the top outer rims of the mould (27),is the arm with laser direction-finding beamer (96)—corresponding to theswivel arm (49, 50) with laser direction-finding beamer (48)—attached insuch a way, that when the mould is put on the arm rest table (16), thedirection-finding beam is pointing directly to the main unit axle (1) ofthe device, where the drill holes at the bottom of the mould (27) andthe drill holes in the arm rest table correspond. After placing the handor the section of the hand on the spacing pins (28) of the mould (27),the swivelling laser direction-finding beamer (96) will be swivelledover the limbs, so that the direction-finding beam corresponds with themovement axle of the person being tested. In this position, a suitablesynthetic material or other pouring substance will be poured over thelimb, so that the shape of the back of the hand and the fingers, as wellas possibly the wrist, will be taken and an individual bed for the handis created. The substance is also poured over the spacing pins (28); athumb cavity (30) will be cut out of this cast (29), after it has beentaken out of the mould (27). The mould with the spacing pins (28),protruding from the bottom of the synthetic material, will be insertedinto the fore-mentioned drilling holes of the arm rest table (16). Forexamination or setting, even in the case of the process being repeated,the patient being tested simply places their hand or section of theirhand into the cast (29). A fastener (31) can be provided, to furthersecure it in the cast. Otherwise the device corresponds with the versionaccording to FIGS. 5 to 8, especially concerning the securing of thethumb with the thumb mould (23) and its connector via the thumb bridge(24) and the thumb lever (25) with the main unit axle (1).

As a variation, a rest- and fixation element for the examination ofmuscles is shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, which works for the larger joints,for example the upper ankle joint, the elbow joint or the knee joint.This version consists of a rest plate (32) for the ankle joint shownhere; it has a fastening ring (33) on its underside, which is mounted onthe main unit axle (1) and screwed down. The rest plate (32) has anelongated hole (96) over at least one part of its length, into which asupport block (35), positioned on the top side of the rest plate,connects with a pin, which can be secured with a screw (35′). Once thetest person has placed their foot on the support block (35), it will besecured in such a way, that the movement axle of the body part to beexamined (here the ankle joint) will lie on the main unit axle of thedevice. Additionally, the limb will be fixed to the rest plate (32) witha fastener (36). A measuring scale (108) at the elongated hole (97) willmake it possible to measure the position of the body part being examinedand therefore determine the later, repeated examinations of the sameobject.

A further version of the power source and the device to limitcontraction and stretching of the examined muscle e.g. the thumbadductor, is shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, which replaces the version ofthese parts of the invented device, shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 and FIG. 5.The rest- and securing element for the to be body parts to be examined,however, is in accordance with the fore-mentioned and, in FIG. 15,joined to the top dividing wall of the casing with the visible openingof the main unit axle (1). As a power source, this version has a lineardrive (191) by way of a linear motor or lifting magnet, which transmitspower onto the rotating, movable main unit axle (1), via the linear axle(132) and a transmission or energy diverter (133 to 137). At the sametime, there is—on the main unit axle (1), in the area where they meetwith the linear axle (132)—a transmission wheel (133) and a transmissioncord (134), half of which runs on the top, over the transmission wheel(133), to a lower cord clip (136) on the linear axle (132) and is beinglocked off; the other half runs at the bottom over the transmissionwheel (133) to a higher cord clip (136) on the linear axle (132) and islocked off. On the opposite side of the linear axle (132) to thetransmission cord (134), is a counter-moving cord (135), fitted withclips (136′), which are themselves attached to the linear axle (132) byclamp bridges (137), in order to avoid one-sided strain and bending ofthe linear axle (132).

The linear axle (132) rests, with its end opposite the motor or liftingmagnet (191), on the area of the exterior casing, in a guiding rod (139)with glide bearing (138), which itself is placed on the exterior casing(140) or dividing wall (141) of the casing. Together with the linearaxle (132), there is a front axle stopping mechanism (127), firmlyconnected to the linear drive, which also acts as a stopping mechanismfor the linear axle (132), which is positioned diagonally to the linearstopping mechanism (128). This linear stopping mechanism (128) consistsof a bar, through which the linear axle (132) in lead through via theglide bearing. It is guided through vertically positioned guiding rods(152 and 167) and is adjustable on these glide bearings (151 and 166),parallel to the adjustable linear axle. The guiding rods (152 and 167)are secured with fastening bars (153 and 168), firmly connected to thecasing (140) or dividing wall (141). The movement occurs via a spindle(154), which runs in a thread (155) through the linear stoppingmechanism (128). The linear stopping mechanism (128) is moved via thespindle (154) by means of the motor (158). In this version, with thefront linear stopping mechanism (128) at the axle stopping mechanism(127), clockwise movements of the main unit axle (1) and, thereby, forexample, contractions of the thumb adductors, are limited and isometricor touch spasms are forced with a defined muscle length.

Furthermore, the version shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 has a back axlestopping mechanism (130), which is firmly connected to the linear axle(132), against which a rear linear stopping mechanism (131) strikes.This rear linear stopping mechanism (131) is also guided by the guidingrods (152 and 167). It is driven by the spindle (169) with motor (173),which corresponds to the described movement of the front linear stoppingmechanism (128). A potentiometer (239′) is connected to the transmissionwheel (133), so that the respective position of the linear axle (132)can be measured. On the linear axle (132), there is also a dynamometer(237′) for measuring push and pull tension. Attached to each of thespindles (154 and 169), is a potentiometer (180 or 187) for measuringthe position of the front linear stopping mechanism (128) or the rearlinear stopping mechanism (131). In the version shown, this happensthrough transmission wheels (176 and 178) with the transmission cord(177) or through the transmission wheels (183 and 185) with thetransmission cord (184).

The stimulation of the motor system for examination, and especially forthe examination of the ability of the muscles to function and perform,takes place in the area to be examined—for example, the hand—of theperson to be tested, through a stimulant, which will triggercontractions. This can take place as a voluntary trigger, a central orperipheral magnet stimulation, a reflex stimulation through quick weightchanges or muscle length changes or through a peripheral electricalstimulation. The quick weight or muscle length changes through the powersource, under the conditions of the securing element unit and thestopping mechanisms as shown above, make it possible, for the firsttime, to adjust and repeat reflex triggers. As a more beneficial versionof the electrical stimulation model, FIG. 17 shows a pair oftwin-stimulation electrodes (109), in which two stimulation electrodes(109) are mounted on the plate (110); they are connected to a smallswitchbox (114) through a cable and plug (112 & 113). This smallswitchbox (114) has a single switch (115) for each pair of stimulationelectrodes (109) as well as a main switch (115′). One or both pairs ofthe stimulation electrodes can, alternatively, be turned on or off withthese switches. The pairs of stimulation electrodes are furtherconnected to the electronic control unit of the device (not shown inFIG. 17), through the cable (112′) and the connector plug (113′).

Instead of the pairs of twin electrodes (109 & 110), only one pair ofelectrodes can be chosen according to the invention. Equally, though notas beneficial, one electrode on its own or as twin electrodes (109) canbe used instead of a pair of stimulation electrodes (109).

FIG. 18 to 22 shows various mounting devices for fitting the stimulationelectrodes in a non-tilting and non-movable way, especially showing thefitting of stimulation electrodes (109) to the necessary area of thebody of the person being tested for stimulation of the motor system. Thepair of stimulation electrodes (109) is placed into a small mountingblock (116), which has—on its side turning away from the stimulationelectrodes and the surface of the examined body parts—an elastic, butmostly rigid mounting lip (117), which protrudes over the small mountingblock (116) on both sides. With this mounting lip (117), it sits in themounting pockets (118) of a soft-elastic fastener (119). The fastener,with the attached stimulation electrodes (109), will be placed on thearea of the body where stimulation is necessary, for example, theforearm with a clamp fastener (120), which is smoothly adjustable andremovable.

The clamp fastener (120) has a fastening opener (121) with a clamp axle(122) and a clamp spring (124), as visible in FIGS. 19 to 21. When usingthe fastening opener (121), the clamp (123) opens, so that the fastener(119) can be pushed through, adjusted in its length or pulled outcompletely. After attaching and adjusting the fastener with its pair ofstimulation electrodes (109), they will be held in place by the clampfastener (120), with the intended pressure applied. Removing thefastener without using the fastening opener (121) is not possible,however tightening of the tension of the fastener (119) is.

The fastener (119) has useful strengthening and stiffening on both ends,for easier insertion of the ends of the fixation band into the clampfastener (120).

An altered version of the mounting device for the pair of stimulationelectrodes (109, 110) is shown in FIGS. 21 and 22. The fastener (119)does not have the mounting pockets (118); the mounting lip (117′) istherefore wider than the fastener (119) and has slits (117′) on its twoends—which are the same width as the fastener (119)—through which thefastener is being pulled and then the ends are inserted into the clampfastener (120). The clamp fastener (120) can be situated on any chosenpoint of the fastener (119). Shown in FIGS. 23 to 25, as well as 26 to28, are small mounting blocks (116, 116′), at different heights for thestimulation electrodes (109, 110), which are each fitted to the mountingdevice and switchable and can be chosen according to the area of thebody intended for stimulation. With this, the pressure to thestimulation electrode plate (110) and therefore the stimulationelectrodes, can be varied and they can be pushed into the tissue of theexamined limb at varying depths. Determining the results afterexamination, which are the basis for the electronic or other analysis,will be done either through the sensors of mechanical functioning, thedynamometer, the acceleration meter, the potentiometer or through thesensors for thermal and electrical functions. The mechanical sensorsare, with the exception of the vibration meter, integrated as componentsof the invention device and are apparent in the drawings of thedifferent versions of the invention devices in FIGS. 1 to 5, 15 and 16.They have already been in part mentioned in the description above. Thedynamometer (237), according to FIG. 1, is, for example, built as abending beam measuring gauge and measures the strength, as well as itstime changes, to the thumb bridge (14) and, therefore, the strength ofthe muscle. The dynamometer (238) on the main unit axle (1), forexample, as a torque meter, measures the power at the main unit axle (1)between the energy source (188, 189 or 190) and the axle stoppingmechanism (125) and therefore, at the same time, the residual weightssupported by the stopping mechanism, before they influence the muscle.The potentiometer (239 or 239′) measures the position of the main unitaxle (1) and, therefore, the length of the muscles being examined andthe speed of their changes in length. The acceleration meter (140) onthe thumb bridge adjuster (47 or 93) measures the acceleration of themuscle contractions and the muscle relaxation.

The other sensors are brought into contact with the person being tested.Shown in FIGS. 29 to 31 are a combination of sensors for the recordingof electrical potential fluctuations, the skin temperature and acousticsignals or vibrations as component parts. In the sensor casing (207)are, on the lower level, which is meant for placing on the body beingexamined, two electrode plates/thermal sensors (204), for measuringelectrical potential fluctuations and the skin temperature. They areplaced into a recess for the electrode (204′), which—at the sametime—serves to hold contact substances like gel or paste. Furthermore,on the same level, is a vibration sensor or microphone (205) with soundtube (205′), for the recording of sounds and vibrations of the body areabeing examined. The sensors (204, 205) are connected to the amplifierand analysis electronics—which is not shown here—through the cable(206).

FIGS. 32 to 34 shows an amended version of the sensor unit according toFIGS. 29 to 31. The sensors (208, 209) basically correspond to thesensors (204, 204′) and are for the recording of electric potentialfluctuations and the skin temperature. The sensor (211, 212) is avibration sensor or microphone-like sensor (205, 205′). However, thesesensors each have differential springs (210 or 213) in the sensorcasing, through which small, uneven patches or changes in the supportingsurface (skin) of the person being examined, can be balanced, whilstmaintaining an all-round, definable pressure to it. The sensor unit has,additionally, on its underside or, if preferred, its upper side,self-adhesive patches (251, 252) to be stuck to the body area beingexamined, which preferably should cover the whole edge area of theunderside of the sensor unit. Furthermore, there are drill holes (253)through the casing from the underside of the sensor unit, which areintended for the connection of the sensor unit to a vacuum unit throughthe supply pipes (254), making possible a safe placement of the sensorunit on the body with the vacuum.

FIGS. 35 to 37 show a multi-sensor unit (217 to 236) with integrateddevices for the display, storage and processing of the recordedmeasurements, which are the subject of a separate Patent Claim by theClaimant and, therefore, a detailed description of these has not beenincluded here.

If in the description above, single features/characteristics of thedevice and its components, which are illustrated in the drawings, buthave not been mentioned especially, as they are not essential to theinvention, they will be referred to in the listing of the referencenumbers of the single parts of the device, which is an integral part ofthe registration.

The described invented device including further developments, providesthe following advantages against already known devices. Definable andfully automated, constant, experimental splinting and securing of themotor system and especially of the muscles are made possible, throughthe definable and repeatable limitation of the muscle lengths andthrough the constant and repeatable use of weights

The rest- and securing element with the splint rest and with the armrest table in the described version, makes it possible to repeatexaminations through re-positioning of the rest- and securing elementand of the body parts being examined, through the automatic setting ofthe measurements and results previously made and stored.

The device makes it possible, to examine a body part, especially thehuman hand, in various positions, by attaching a supporting thumb mould,before or behind the thumb, depending on whether there should be moreroom for manoeuvrability between the thumb and hand towards the front orthe back. The limb, with the palm of the hand upwards or downwards, canalso be secured or fixed in a splint, depending on the manoeuvrabilityof the examined person and if the palm of the hand or the back of thehand should be more accessible. Additionally it is possible, with thesame setting, to examine the agonist, for example, the thumb adductor,and the antagonist, for example, the thumb abductor. Through the device,the examination of the right and/or the left limb is alternatively madepossible and different movement axles and therefore various musclegroups can be examined.

Through the invention device's automatic stopping mechanism, musclelength changes, over and/or under a certain length, are prevented, withwhich the muscle length conditions can be determined precisely, up to acertain point, before the start of the experiment.

Also, the type of contraction can be determined through the positioningof the described stopping mechanisms, that is, if the muscle carries outa sheer weight-lifting contraction (isometric) or a if pure contractionor shortening takes place (isotonic) or if the muscle goes into asupport or touch spasm.

Through the described power sources and their versions, definableweights can affect the muscle before and after lifting. The torque ofthe power source is regulated in such a way, that sources for error,through the mass of moving parts, torque fluctuations, elasticity andfriction, will be eliminated or balanced. The described power sourceshave a broad performance spectrum and are, to a large extent,maintenance free.

Distortions during the course of the testing procedure are avoided andconstant conditions throughout duration of the testing procedure, viathe described construction of the eccentric moving parts on the mainunit axle. In particular, there is no trace of position-dependentgravity influences and hardly any acceleration-dependent torquefluctuations, movement-dependent torque losses and/or vibrations.

The power source can even give off electric pulses which themselves—viareflex arches—lead to involuntary, standardised muscle contractions ormuscle relaxations. Last, but not least, through the related stimulantsin the form of stimulation electrodes as a magnetic coil stimulator orenergy-pulse stimulator, involuntary, standardised muscle contractionscan be triggered.

1. A device for the examination of the motor system of the human oranimal body, through the examination and determination of the ability ofthe muscular system to function and perform, comprising means forinserting, resting and securing body parts to be examined; means forrepeating examinations of the same body parts in a same fixed position;a power source to put weight on muscle; means for stimulating orcontracting the muscles or nerves, a rest and securing element with asplint rest or with an arm rest table; a thumb mould with thumb bridgeand a thumb lever, in which the thumb lever is connected to a verticallyarranged main unit axle, which connects to the power source; means fordetermining the type of contraction, to automatically limit the powervia stopping mechanism, as well as stimulants for stimulation ofmuscles, nerves or the central nervous system; and means for measuringresulting physiological reactions and including mechanical andelectrical/electronic measuring devices selected from the groupconsisting of dynamometers, acceleration meters, muscle-length meters,sensors for the recording of electrical potential fluctuations, the skintemperature and acoustic signals and vibrations, wherein when using therest and securing element with the splint rest, it is fitted verticallyon a diagonal casing wall of a casing of the device, and on that is anarm rest with connecting hand rest; arranged further to this, at a rightangle to the splint rest and the arm rest, are the back of the handsupport with the back of the hand cushion and the adjustment bar, whichare vertically adjustable through this adjustment bar via an adaptedslot of the splint rest; further there is, also at a right angle to thearm rest, an arm rest and on the hand rest is a wrist support,horizontally adjustable via a carrier and adjustment track and attachedsecurely with a fastening screw; a palm of the hand support, inconnection with the wrist support, runs on the same level and attachedto it is a finger support for the fingers II-V, which is movable; thehand including the wrist is inserted and secured, so that the back ofthe hand support, including the back of the hand cushion is movedvertically through an electrical motor with an ammeter/cut out via aspindle, into which the adjustment bar with the small adjustment blockmeshes and that alternatively, the wrist support on the adjustment trackis moved horizontally and locked in place with the adjusting screw; themotor and the spindle are arranged on the side of the splint rest awayfrom the arm rest through spindle tracks and that the back of the handsupport, with the connection bar, can be swivelled around a verticalaxle via a swivel coupling in the area where the spindle meshes; thefinger support is moved towards the index finger with the aid of a smalladjustment block on an adjustment track and locked in place with theadjusting screws.
 2. A device according to claim 1, wherein thevertically arranged main unit axle has the axle stopping mechanismbetween its connection with the thumb lever and the power source, whichworks together with the front rotation stopping mechanism for limitingphysiological contractions and the rear rotation stopping mechanism forlimiting physiological stretching, where the front rotation stoppingmechanism is attached to an adjustment wheel through which the frontrotation stopping mechanism is adjustable at an angle, and the rearrotation stopping mechanism is attached to an adjustment wheel, foradjustment at an angle.
 3. A device for the examination of the motorsystem of the human or animal body, through the examination anddetermination of the ability of the muscular system to function andperform, comprising means for inserting, resting and securing body partsto be examined; means for repeating examinations of the same body partsin a same fixed position; a power source to put weight on muscle; meansfor stimulating or contracting the muscles or nerves; a rest andsecuring element with a splint rest or with an arm rest table; a thumbmould with thumb bridge and a thumb lever, in which the thumb lever isconnected to a vertically arranged main unit axle, which connects to thepower source; means for determining the type of contraction, toautomatically limit the power via stopping mechanism, as well asstimulants for the stimulation of muscles, nerves or the central nervoussystem; mechanical and electrical/electronic measuring devices selectedfrom the group consisting of dynamometers, acceleration meters,muscle-length meters, sensors for the recording of electrical potentialfluctuations, the skin temperature and acoustic signals and vibrations,wherein the vertically arranged main unit axle has the axle stoppingmechanism between a connection with the thumb lever and the powersource, which works together with the front rotation stopping mechanismand the rear rotation stopping mechanism, wherein the front rotationstopping mechanism is attached to one adjustment wheel through which thefront rotation stopping mechanism is adjustable at one angle, and therear rotation stopping mechanism is attached to another adjustmentwheel, for adjustment at another angle, wherein the one adjustmentwheel, via a bearing, is placed on a guiding rod, which grips the mainunit axle without pressure and is equipped with a sprocket, into which acogwheel interlocks, which is driven by an adjustment motor through oneaxle, wherein the other adjustment wheel, via a bearing, is fitted on aguiding rod, which grips the main unit axle without pressure and theother adjustment wheel is equipped with a sprocket, into which acogwheel interlocks, which is driven by an adjustment motor, throughanother axle wherein on the adjustment motor via an axle, apotentiometer is placed for measuring the position of the front rotationstopping mechanism and on the adjustment motor, via an additional axle,a potentiometer is placed for measuring the position of the rearrotation stopping mechanism.
 4. A device for the examination of themotor system of the human or animal body, through the examination anddetermination of the ability of the muscular system to function andperform, comprising means for inserting, resting and securing body partsto be examined, with means to repeat for repeating examinations of thesame body parts in a same fixed position, with a power source to putweight on muscle, as well as means for stimulating or contracting themuscles or nerves; a rest and securing element with a splint rest orwith an arm rest table; a thumb mould with thumb bridge and a thumblever, in which the thumb lever is connected to a vertically arrangedmain unit axle, which connects to the power source; means fordetermining the type of contraction, to automatically limit the powervia stopping mechanism, as well as stimulants for the stimulation ofmuscles, nerves or the central nervous system; mechanical andelectrical/electronic measuring devices selected from the groupconsisting of dynamometers, acceleration meters, muscle-length meters,sensors for the recording of electrical potential fluctuations, the skintemperature and acoustic signals and vibrations, in that, when using thepower source in form of a linear motor or lifting magnets, a front axlestopping mechanism is placed on a linear axle connecting to the powersource, which forms a stopping mechanism for a front linear stoppingmechanism, positioned diagonally to the linear axle, and a rear axlestopping mechanism placed on the linear axle, which forms a stoppingmechanism for the a rear linear stopping mechanism, also positioneddiagonally to the linear axle; hereby, the linear stopping mechanismseach consist of a bridge, which is guided by vertically positionedguiding rods and rests on the latter, via glide bearings, which areadjustable parallel to the linear axle, where the adjustment of thefront linear stopping mechanism, occurs through a motor via one spindleand the adjustment of the rear linear stopping mechanism occurs througha motor via another spindle; one potentiometer for measuring theposition of the front linear stopping mechanism, is placed on the onespindle and another potentiometer for measuring the position of the rearlinear stopping mechanism, is placed on the other spindle.
 5. A deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the splint rest is fitted horizontally andparallel to the dividing wall of the device casing and ismovable/adjustable on one or more guide tracks, which are fitted to thedividing wall with mountings and arranged as spindles by means of anelectrical motor.
 6. A device according to claim 1, wherein with therest- and securing element and the arm rest table, the table ishorizontally movable on tracks, parallel to the diagonal casing wall,above which, the arm rest table is guided by a spindle and powered by amotor, which is installed below the arm rest table on the diagonalcasing wall via a small connection block, which is firmly attached tothe underneath of the arm rest table and guided in a spindle withspindle tracks on the underneath of the arm rest table and is beingmoved towards the spindle by a transmission belt; the device ischaracteristic further, in that an arm rest is fitted centrally forplacing the arm and hand for both sides, on which an arm clamp cushion,with fastening clamp and clamp bracket, is fitted to its top side and, adistance apart from it, a palm of the hand clamp cushion with fasteningclamp and clamp bracket, which can—with screws, in rows with theholes—each be shifted lengthways of the arm rest, through which the armclamp cushion and the palm of the hand cushion can also be shifted by180° in order to secure the respective inserted arm and hand; the armclamp cushion is adjustable in height by means of a guide bar with alocking mechanism, and the palm of the hand clamp cushion, by means of aguide bar with a locking mechanism, for the adjustment of the palm ofthe hand and arm; further to this, there is, on both sides of the armrest on the arm rest table, a movable finger support, which has a swivelcoupling with swivel coupling pin, through which, together with anelongated hole in the arm rest table, is a connection to a smalladjustment block, which leads, through a spindle with counter-rotatingthreads and a motor with transmission belt for the spindle, the fingersupports are running opposite towards the splint to the respectiveinserted hand, where the spindle, with spindle tracks, as well as themotor, are attached to the underneath of the arm rest table; further tothis, there are, relating to the finger supports, intended for thesupport of the outer side of the arm in the area of the arm clampcushion, on both sides of the arm rest, arm supports with swivelcoupling, the swivel coupling pin, the small adjustment block, thespindle with spindle tracks and the motor with transmission belt, whichtogether will move towards the inserted arm.
 7. A device according toclaim 6, wherein to support the finger tips on the rest- and securingelement with arm rest table, a movable support is placed on that table,with a small adjustment block, guided into a spindle with spindle trackson the arm rest table, which is moved by a motor with a transmissionbelt and moves the support on telescopic tracks towards the finger tipsof the hand to be examined hand which is secured in place.
 8. A deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the rest- and securing elements or can beinterchanged, and be used as separate modules of the device, or othersplint rest elements, where they should preferably be separated from theremaining devices by a double casing wall.
 9. A device according toclaim 1, wherein for the finger to be examined or thumb of the insertedhand, a thumb mould with the thumb bridge or else the thumb mould withthe thumb bridge, are available, whereby the thumb bridge connects tothe horizontally placed thumb lever and is horizontally movable by meansof an adjustment device with locking mechanism.
 10. A device accordingto claim 1, wherein positioned on the top end of the main unit axle, isa light beamer, preferably a laser direction-finding beamer with anaperture, whose direction-finding beam is pointed to the body part to beexamined and is aligned with its movement axle before securing.
 11. Adevice according to claim 1, wherein instead of or additionally to, thelaser direction-finding beamer, a laser direction-finding beamer isarranged at the end of a swivel arm, which with its other end can swiveland is attached to the track of the arm rest table and will be swivelledover the body part resting in it and being examined, in which the laserdirection-finding beamer and its direction-finding beam, are aligned,whilst in the position that it has been swivelled into, with the mainunit axle- and matched up with it, whereby the movement axle of the bodypart to be examined, is brought into alignment with thedirection-finding beam, before securing.
 12. A device according to claim1, wherein with the rest- and securing element and arm rest table, thetable is horizontally movable in the tracks, parallel to the diagonalcasing wall; a cast, made from synthetic or other material, is used as anegative form for the resting and securing of the hand to be examined,and will be inserted into the corresponding drill holes of the arm resttable, by means of the imbedded spacing pins, which protrude on theunderneath of the cast in such away, that the movement axle of the handwill be aligned with the main unit axle of the device and the cast willhave a cavity cut out in the area of the thumb and the thumb muscle, forthe thumb mould with a thumb bridge, so that the thumb can be positionedand will have a connection to the thumb lever and the main unit axle.13. A device according to claim 12, wherein for the making of the cast,a mould is used, with spacing pins at the bottom of it, which can beremoved; a laser direction-finding beamer, with a swivel arm, ispositioned on one of the top outer rims of the mould, whereby for themaking of the cast, the hand is placed with the back of the hand ontothe spacing pins, then the laser direction-finding beamer is swivelledover it and its direction-finding beam aligned with the movement axle ofthe hand, as the mould with the hand in it, will be filled in withsuitable plastic or other hardening pouring substance.
 14. A deviceaccording to claim 1, further comprising have a rest plate for restingand securing those body parts with big joints which has a fastening ringwith a locking mechanism for this ring for firmly fastening onto themain unit axle, whereby a fastener is additionally attached to the restplate, as well as a measuring scale at the elongated hole for measuringthe position of the body part being examined.
 15. A device according toclaim 1, characteristic in that a rotation magnet with constant orconstantly increasing indicator line is used as a power source.
 16. Adevice according to claim 1, wherein two rotation magnets are used asthe power source, preferably with a constant total or a constantlyincreasing indicator line, which are switched, one after the other, andare being rotated around the inner part connected to the main unit axle,whilst a sprocket is positioned between the rotation magnets—which isconnected to a motor through a rack track with a track bearing, a cogwheel and a transmission belt which adjusts the rotation magnets; apotentiometer is fitted to the motor for measuring the position of therotation magnets.
 17. A device according to claim 1, wherein an electricmotor is used as a power source, preferably in the form of a Hall motor.18. A device according to claim 1, wherein a linear drive, in the formof a linear motor or lifting magnet, is used as the power source, whichtransmits power through the linear axle and a transmission/powerdiversion onto the main unit axle, positioned at a right angle to thelinear axle; a transmission wheel sits firmly on the main unit axle inthe area of the linear axle and with a transmission cord, half of whichis running on top of the transmission wheel to the lower cord clip onthe linear axle and will be fixed in place, and the other half isrunning under the transmission wheel to the upper cord clip on thelinear axle and will be fixed in place; attached on the side oppositethe transmission cord of the linear axle, is a counter-moving cord withclamps, which are themselves connected to the linear axle via clampbridges, to avoid one-sided strain and bending of the linear axle; thelinear axle is resting on a guiding bar, with glide bearing and with itsend opposite the power source.
 19. A device according to claim 1,wherein the stimulation of the motor system of the person beingexamined, takes place in the form of voluntary triggers, central andperipheral magnetic stimulation, reflex stimulation—preferably throughchanges of the muscle length through the power source or as peripheralelectrical stimulation through stimulants with stimulation electrodes.20. A device according to claim 19, characteristic in that thestimulation electrodes are used as a pair of twin-stimulationelectrodes, each pair having mounting plates, with two stimulationelectrodes inserted and each pair of electrodes is connected to a smallswitch box via a cable and plug, which has a single switch for each pairof stimulation electrodes and a main switch; the pairs of stimulationelectrodes are connected to the control electronics of the control unitdevice through a cable and plug.
 21. A device according to claim 20,wherein the stimulation electrodes, with the mounting plate, are placedinto a small mounting block, which has—on the off side of thestimulation electrodes—an elastic, but mostly rigid mounting lip, withwhich it sits in the mounting pockets of a fastener; the fastener withthe small mounting block and the stimulation electrodes, will be placedon the body part to be examined by means of a clamp fastener, which canbe operated with one hand and is smoothly adjustable and removable. 22.A device according to claim 21, wherein the mounting device for the pairof stimulation electrodes has a mounting lip—for the small mountingblock, with stimulation electrodes—which is wider than the fastener andhas slits on its two ends, through which the fastener is being pulledthrough.
 23. A device according to claim 21, wherein the small mountingblocks have different heights, so that they can be adjusted to the bodyarea to be stimulated.
 24. A device according to claim 1, wherein adynamometer is attached to the thumb bridge, which measures the powerexerted on the thumb bridge and its time changes, and therefore measuresthe strength of the muscle.
 25. A device according to claim 1, wherein adynamometer is attached to the main unit axle (1), which measures thestrength on the main unit axle between the power source and the axlestopping mechanism, and therefore measures the residual weightssupported by the axle stopping mechanism and the rotation stoppingmechanism before they affect the muscle.
 26. A device according to claim1, wherein the dynamometer is attached to the linear axle, whichmeasures the power between the linear motor or the linear stoppingmechanism and the transmission/power diversion of the main unit axle.27. A device according to claim 1, wherein a potentiometer is attachedto the main unit axle or a potentiometer with transmission cord to thelinear axle, which measures the position of the main unit axle and thelength of the examined muscles, as well as the speed of the muscles'change in length.
 28. A device according to claim 1, wherein anacceleration meter on the thumb bridge adjustment of the thumb bridge,measures the acceleration of the muscle contraction and the musclerelaxation.
 29. A device according to claim 1, whereinelectrical/electronic sensors are included, for the recording ofelectrical potential fluctuations, the skin temperature and acousticsignals and vibrations, which are being brought into direct contact withthe body parts being examined.
 30. A device according to claim 29,wherein the sensors for the recording of electrical potentialfluctuations, and of the skin temperature, are in the form of smallelectrode plates, which are inserted into the recesses for the smallelectrode, which are used at the same time hold contact substances; thatthe sensor for the recording of acoustic signals or vibrations is avibration sensor or microphone with a sound tube, which are eachconnected to an amplifier and analysis electronics.
 31. A deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein at least one sensor, as well as a sensorin the casing, is integrated and positioned on the bottom level of thecasing—which is intended for resting on the body of the person to beingexamined—and that the casing is positioned, so that it is movable on thesplint rest or on the arm rest table.
 32. A device according to claim 1,wherein the sensors for the recording of electrical potentialfluctuations and the skin temperature, as well as sensors for therecording of acoustic signals or vibrations, are equipped withdifferential springs in the sensor casing; further that the casing hasself-adhesive patches on its underside side and preferably also on oneof the rim areas of the side facing away from the body part beingexamined, and that drill holes from the underside of the casing lead topipe connectors on a vacuum unit.
 33. A device according to claim 1,wherein during the examination, a multi-sensor unit is being used, inwhich, apart from sensors, there are also integrated devices for thedisplay, storage and processing of the recorded measuring results.
 34. Adevice according to claim 1, wherein a slip clutch mechanism, which isadjustable in its working area, is attached to the main unit axle inconnection with the rotation magnets.
 35. A device according to claim 1,wherein the thumb lever is connected to the main unit axle by means of apin with a predefined breaking point, where the pin breaks when adefined limited of the power source is exceeded.
 36. A device accordingto claim 1, wherein a measuring scale for the adjustment unit isconnected to the thumb lever.
 37. A device according to claim 1, whereina linear meter for measuring the position of the armrest table, isattached to the small adjustment block of the armrest table.
 38. Adevice according to claim 1, wherein a linear meter for measuring theposition of the finger support is attached to the small adjustmentblock.
 39. A device according to claim 1, wherein a linear meter formeasuring the position of the arm support, is attached to the smalladjustment block of the arm support.
 40. A device according to claim 1,wherein a linear meter for measuring the position of the fingertipsupport, is attached to the fingertip support.
 41. A device according toclaim 1, wherein elements selected from the group consisting of the restand securing element and the thumb mould are adjustable to an anatomy ofa human or animal body and fixable in an adjusted position.
 42. A deviceaccording in claim 41, wherein said element selected from the groupconsisting of the rest and securing element and the thumb mould isconfigured so that it is adjustable in a manner selected from the groupconsisting of by an electric motor and manually and measured in anadjusted position for a repeated positioning.
 43. A device according toclaim 41, further comprising means for exact positioning of the rest andsecuring element relative to a motion axis of a muscle so as to align aphysiological motion axis of the muscle exactly with the main unit axle.44. A device according to claim 1, wherein said stopping mechanism isfixedly connected with said main unit axle.
 45. A device according toclaim 2, wherein the front rotation stopping mechanism and the rearrotation stopping mechanism are configured so that they operateindependently from one another.
 46. A device according to claim 2,further comprising means for measuring adjustments of the front rotationstopping mechanism and the rear rotation stopping mechanism forrepeating the adjustments for further positioning.
 47. A deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the stopping mechanism is floatinglyarranged on the axle.
 48. A device according to claim 1, wherein thepower source is adjustable independently of actual muscle contractions.49. A device according to claim 48, wherein the power source isconfigured so that an inhomogeneous magnetic field does not influencesmall active muscle contractions resulting from friction and/orfluctuations of force.
 50. A device according to claim 48, wherein thepower source is configured so that a counterforce during accelerationand movement phases of the examination remain constant.